Ferry Services to Korean Islands: Complete Schedule Guide 2026

Finding accurate, English-language ferry schedules for Korea's 400+ inhabited islands is notoriously difficult because the central booking system is primarily designed for domestic residents. For most major routes (like Incheon to Deokjeokdo or Mokpo to Jeju), ferries operate between 07:00 and 19:00 daily, with frequency ranging from once a day for remote islands to every 30 minutes for popular commuter routes. The official integrated booking platform is "Island Tour" (Ga-bogo-want-neun-seom), managed by the Korea Shipping Association, but foreign travelers often face payment hurdles without a domestic credit card.

The short answer: Most Korean ferry terminals open at 06:00, with the first ships departing around 07:00-08:00. Tickets for major routes like Jeju or Ulleungdo should be booked 2-3 weeks in advance, costing between ₩40,000 and ₩100,000 depending on the vessel type.

Understanding the Korean Ferry Network

South Korea is surrounded by water on three sides, boasting a complex maritime network connecting over 3,300 islands, of which approximately 470 are inhabited. In 2026, the ferry system is divided into four major coastal hubs: Incheon (serving the West Sea), Mokpo and Wando (serving the Southwest and Jeju), Tongyeong and Busan (serving the South Sea), and Pohang/Gangneung (serving Ulleungdo and the East Sea).

Understanding the type of vessel is crucial for your schedule. "Fast Ferries" (Hydrofoils) travel at speeds of 35-40 knots (approx. 70 km/h) and cut travel time by 50%, but they are highly susceptible to wave height restrictions. If waves exceed 2.5 meters, these boats stay docked. Conversely, large "Car Ferries" typically move at 18-24 knots but are far more stable and rarely cancel unless there is a full typhoon warning.

How to Book Ferry Tickets: The "Katech" Hurdle

The primary challenge for international travelers is the booking interface. The official website, managed by the Korea Shipping Partnership, requires a Korean mobile number for verification and often rejects foreign credit cards issued outside of Korea (like Visa/Mastercard without 3D Secure verified in Korea).

If you are a resident with an Alien Registration Card (ARC), you can use the official app "Ga-bogo-want-neun-seom" (Island Tour). Residents of island regions receive massive discounts, but even regular ARC holders can sometimes find 10-20% promotional discounts during the off-season (November to March).

For tourists without an ARC, you have two primary options:

1. Direct Port Purchase: Arrive at the terminal 90 minutes before departure. This is risky for popular routes like Ulleungdo or weekends to Jeju.
2. Third-Party Travel Agencies: Services like Trazy or Klook often resell tickets for major routes (Jeju, Nami Island, Ulleungdo) with a markup of roughly $5-10 USD, which is worth the convenience.

Incheon Coastal Wharf: Gateway to the West Sea

Incheon Coastal Passenger Terminal (Yeonan Budu) is the largest hub near Seoul. It serves the islands in the Yellow Sea (West Sea). The schedule here is heavily influenced by the tides, as the West Sea has some of the most dramatic tidal variances in the world (up to 9 meters).

Major Route: Incheon to Baengnyeongdo

Baengnyeongdo is the northernmost point of South Korea, closer to Pyongyang than Seoul. It is a strategic military zone and a pristine natural sanctuary.

• Distance: 222 km
• Vessel Type: Fast Ferry (2,000-ton class)
• Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Departure Times: Typically 07:50, 08:30, 13:00 (Subject to change)
• Duration: 4 hours
• One-Way Fare: Approx. ₩75,000 (Premium Class), ₩66,500 (Regular)

Major Route: Incheon to Deokjeokdo

Deokjeokdo is popular for weekend camping and beaches. It serves as a transfer hub for smaller islands like Gureopdo.

• Distance: 75 km
• Vessel Type: Fast Ferry (Smart Ho) & Car Ferry
• Frequency: 3-4 times daily (increased on weekends)
• Departure Times: 08:30, 09:00, 14:30
• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes (Fast), 2 hours 30 minutes (Car Ferry)
• One-Way Fare: Approx. ₩23,700

The Jeju Connection: Mokpo, Wando, and Yeosu

While flying to Jeju is fast, taking a ferry allows you to bring your own vehicle (or a rental loaded with gear) and experience the sheer scale of the southern coast. The routes from Mokpo and Wando are the most reliable in the country.

Mokpo to Jeju

This is the classic route. The ships here are massive cruise ferries (24,000 tons) that resemble floating hotels.

• Vessels: Queen Mary 2, Queen Jenovia
• Departure: 09:00 AM and 01:00 AM (Overnight)
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Economy Fare: ₩32,000 - ₩38,000
• VIP Suite: ₩300,000+

Wando to Jeju

Wando is further south, offering the shortest sea crossing for a car ferry.

• Vessel: Silver Cloud, Blue Pearl
• Departure: 02:30, 09:00, 15:00, 16:00
• Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes (Fastest Car Ferry)
• Fare: Approx. ₩29,000 (3rd Class)

Travelers looking to combine a ferry trip with other regional explorations should consider checking the weather patterns first. For more on seasonal travel conditions, read our guide on the best time to visit Korea.

Ulleungdo & Dokdo: The East Sea Adventure

Ulleungdo is a volcanic island roughly 120km east of the mainland. It is famous for its steep terrain, heavy winter snow, and squid. Until 2021, getting here was a seasickness nightmare on small fast ferries. In 2026, large cruisers make the trip comfortable in all weather.

Pohang to Ulleungdo

• Vessel: New Santa Monica (Fast), Ulleung Cruise (Large Overnight)
• Departure: 23:50 (Overnight Cruise), 14:30 (Fast)
• Duration: 6.5 hours (Cruise), 3.5 hours (Fast)
• Fare: ₩80,000 - ₩90,000 (Standard)

Gangneung to Ulleungdo

• Vessel: Sea Star
• Departure: 08:00 (Daily)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Fare: ₩65,000

The Dokdo Link

From Ulleungdo, you can take a separate ferry to Dokdo.

• Schedule: Generally departs Ulleungdo at 07:30, 08:00, 12:30, and 14:00.
• Stay Duration: You are allowed on Dokdo for exactly 20-30 minutes before the ship returns.
• Note: If waves are high, the ship will only circle the island and not dock.
• Price: Approx. ₩60,000 round trip from Ulleungdo.

Tongyeong and the Hallyeo Marine Park

Tongyeong is often called the "Naples of Korea" due to its stunning harbor. The ferry terminal here connects to the islands of the Hallyeo Marine National Park.

Tongyeong to Bijindo

Bijindo is famous for a sandbar that connects two islands, creating a beach on both sides.

• Distance: 13 km
• Departure: 07:00, 11:00, 14:30
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Fare: ₩9,000

Tongyeong to Somaemuldo

Known for its lighthouse island which is accessible by foot only during low tide.

• Distance: 26 km
• Departure: 07:00, 11:00, 14:30
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Fare: ₩16,000

For those exploring the southern coast, the food is as important as the sights. After your ferry trip, check out our guide to Busan seafood markets which is just a short bus ride from Tongyeong.

Hidden Routes: Yeosu and Goheung

For the adventurous traveler looking to escape the crowds of Jeju or Ulleungdo, the routes from Yeosu and Goheung offer access to remote islands like Geomundo and Goldo.

Goheung (Naro Space Center area) to Shinsido: Departures are infrequent (once or twice daily), and English signage is minimal. This is deep rural Korea. Yeosu to Geomundo: Geomundo is historically significant (occupied by the British in the late 19th century) and features a beautiful lighthouse trek.

• Vessel: Nina, Julia Aqua
• Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Price: ₩36,000

If you are planning a long-term stay to explore these remote areas, holding an Alien Registration Card can unlock significant resident discounts. Learn more about the ARC application process to see if you qualify.

Onboard Experience and Safety

Korean ferries are extremely safe. Following the tragic Sewol disaster in 2014, safety regulations have become some of the strictest in the world. ID checks are mandatory, cargo lashing is inspected rigorously, and passenger manifests are digitized.

Seasickness: The waters between the mainland and Ulleungdo or Jeju can be rough. Most terminals sell liquid seasickness medicine (meol-mi-yak) for ₩1,000-2,000. It is highly effective but causes drowsiness. Take it 30 minutes before boarding.

Amenities:

• Cruises (Jeju/Ulleungdo): Convenience stores (CU/GS25), karaoke rooms, bakeries, and massage chairs are standard.
• Fast Ferries: Usually have a small kiosk selling water and snacks, but movement is restricted during high speeds.
• Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi is available on major vessels, but signal cuts out in the open ocean (about 30 minutes away from land).

Sample Itinerary: 24 Hours on Deokjeokdo

To help you visualize a ferry trip, here is a dual itinerary for Deokjeokdo, accessible from Incheon.

Pros and Cons of Ferry Travel

Is taking the ferry worth it compared to flying? For Jeju, it depends on your cargo. For islands like Ulleungdo, it's the only way.

For those needing a break from the hustle of Seoul, an island trip is the perfect remedy. Check out our list of weekend getaways for expats for more inspiration beyond just the ferry routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating Korea's ferry system requires a bit of patience and flexibility regarding weather, but the reward is access to some of the most untouched and beautiful landscapes in East Asia. Whether you are chasing the sunrise on an overnight cruise to Jeju or braving the waves to see the disputed islets of Dokdo, the journey by sea offers a perspective of Korea that few international travelers get to see.